weird fuel leak

[XJOK2PLAY]

1stBike,

The important thing to catch is what Greg suggested... a manual.

If you don't have or can't find one, member CatatonicBug has a link for you to download one.

I've been into mine a few times... at first, even with my past automotive experience and ASE certifications, it was a little intimidating... (No bike repair experience...) so I understand your hesitations. About the only special tool I can think of that you might need will be some way to properly measure the float levels once you get the new valves installed, and then synch guages to resynch everything.

There are threads on here that cover the whole enchilada... from start to finish practically. Even tips on how to make it easier on yourself to get the carbs out of the bike if you have the stock airbox...

Once you get 'em out, bowls are off on the bench, you'll see it's no big deal. Just get all the tech info you'll need and a couple of tools, read up in advance... and it's not that tough.

But I do understand it would be nice to have someone there with you the first time that's been to the rodeo before... that always helps!

If I can be of any assistance internet-wise... send me a PM.
Once you've done it... you'll gain confidence, and feel better about the whole thing!
Good luck, and keep us posted. We're w/ ya.
Regards,
Bob

[DGXSER]

Hey 1st. Really, these are MUCH easier than carbs on a car. And with the tuning guidance that is found by searching and that fo what you have available for the asking here, I am sure you can get it done. My best advice is to buy a big can of PB Blaster or a similar penetrating oil, do not substitute WD-40 it is NOT a penetrating oil and does not do the same job on loosening the carb parts, from experience. Now use that stuff on EVERY screw and jet you need to pull off BEFORE you even try to pull them off. Also, buy a couple screw drivers that you won't mind grinding the ends of, and custom file/grind them to fit tightly into the slots of the jets, with the brass these jets are made of you do want that tight fit to keep them from stripping/breaking up instead of moving.

Depending on exactly where in Indiana you are, I could pop in if you find yourself really stuck on something. I live in Cincy, but I travel alot of the state for work.

[TomRodgers]

Hey 1st...

I have worked on cars for some time....and bikes for a while.....never had to tear into them before my 2 XS's.

I few pointed questions last year led to some of the 'elders' here to post some VERY helpful write-ups on carb cleaning.

i was lucky enuf to not have to mess with my float heights, but the carbs were in TERRIBLE condition (filthy).

It wasnt that bad. if they havent been off in a while, spray the bajeezus out of them with PB blaster and be careful not to strip out the screws that hold the float bowls on......dive in. i did. and LOVED it!!! hahahaha

[1st bike]

here is my most sincere hope. that i am going to take these off, clean them, not have to mess with anything but a damn O ring and be done....if i have to mess with float height and synching i am afraid i am way over my head....but i am gonna give it a shot either way. the bitch of it is that it is supposed to be 40 here on friday (and i am hoping nice on saturday too) and my pipes are off and it sounds like the carbs are coming off too....guess i won't be riding.

[CatatonicBug]

I have exactly the same issue you describe. Except it's not all the time. It only happens maybe once every 2 weeks. I am convinced that mine is a sticky float that randomly decides to stick when I park the bike. I have a tiny drain hole in the far left rear corner of the bottom of my airbox, and that helps to drain the fuel out when that happens, but I know I need to get in a fix it soon. The nice thing about it is that I only get about 1-2 tablespoons of fuel when it happens, so I know it's not the other valves that are leaking. The last time I was in my carbs, everything seemed to swing freely, so I don't even know which carb is the problem...

[1st bike]

if i didn't have the pipes off, i would run the seafoam through it and hope like hell....might do it anyway, the sound would be INCREDIBLE!!!!

[CatatonicBug]

if i didn't have the pipes off, i would run the seafoam through it and hope like hell....might do it anyway, the sound would be INCREDIBLE!!!!

Well, it would be deafeningly loud, but it won't run very well. The back-pressure provided by the pipes is necessary to smooth out the engine.

I use Seafoam and even Acetone now and then, just to see if it will make a difference with anything at all. I have yet to see any noticable change. Of course, that may be just because I don't have anything wrong that would be fixed by either treatment. Either way, it definitely hasn't fixed a sticky float.

[bikerphil]

Running the engine with no exhaust for longer than say 10 sec. is a good way to burn up valves. Take the carbs apart and clean them properly or the bike will never run to it's full potential. JMHO